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Stars to support Iberian bid

A star-studded delegation will visit Zurich to back the Spain/Portugal bid to stage the 2018 World Cup.

By Ben Collins

Last Updated: 24/11/10 7:33pm

Iberian superstars past and present will be part of the Spain/Portugal delegation that visits Zurich next week to support their countries' bid to stage the 2018 World Cup.

The group will be spearheaded by Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo and Real Madrid team-mate Iker Casillas, who skippered Spain to World Cup glory this summer.

Also in attendance will be stars of yesteryear from both countries, including Luis Figo and Fernando Hierro, who are both bid ambassadors.

Emilio Butragueno and Eusebio will also be supporting the Iberian bid, along with the current national team coaches, Vicente del Bosque and Paulo Bento.

Important date

A statement on the Candidatura Iberica website read: "A group of 40 people will be present on this important date to support the presidents of the Spanish and Portuguese football associations, Mr Angel Maria Villar and Mr Gilberto Madail, in their objective of being elected by Fifa to host the 2018 Football World Cup."

The Spain/Portugal bid is competing against England, Holland/Belgium and Russia to stage the competition.